Improve Energy and Operational Efficiency With Fault Detection Software

Modern building automationsystems are designed to continue working while experiencing minor issues, including bad sensors, broken damper linkage, or valves not opening or closing as commanded. However, these small problems can create major malfunctions that eventually impact its operating ability. Learn how fault detection software allows maintenance teams to increase energy efficiency.

What Is Fault Detection Software?

Fault detection software uses advanced algorithms and data analysis to identify emerging issues in building automation systems. Some of the functionality of this innovative platform include:

Real-time monitoring of thousands of data points from HVAC, metering, lighting, and other building systems
Identification of equipment and system faults such as fouled filters, broken sensors, stuck dampers, incorrect control sequences, etc.
Quantification of performance impacts from faults
Diagnosis of the root causes of issues
Generation of fault alert notifications with repair recommendations

Utilizing fault detection software allows maintenance teams to detect and repair small issues before they develop into major problems.

What Factors Impact the Efficiency of Building Automation Equipment

Inefficient components can significantly affect your building energy system’s performance. Some of the factors that negatively impact a piece of equipment’s efficiency include:

Lack of Integration

Building automation systems need to be properly integrated with other systems in a building, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. If these systems are not properly integrated, it can result in inefficiencies and energy waste.

Inadequate Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for the efficient operation of a building automation system. Neglected or irregular maintenance can result in equipment malfunction, reduced performance, and decreased energy efficiency.

Aging Equipment

Outdated or poorly maintained equipment can reduce the efficiency of a building automation system. Aging sensors, actuators, or control devices may not operate as effectively, resulting in increased energy consumption.

Poor Training

A building automation system is only as effective as its users. If building occupants or facility managers are not adequately trained or engaged in using the system, it can lead to inefficient operation and wasted energy.

How Does Fault Detection and Diagnostics Software Increase Energy Efficiency

Malfunctioning equipment can still maintain occupant comfort; however, it has to work harder to achieve optimal operational levels. This wastes energy and increases costs for businesses. Fault detection software can create a more energy-efficient building in several ways:

Early Detection of Faulty Equipment

Fault detection software continuously monitors energy-consuming equipment and systems for any abnormalities or malfunctions. It can quickly identify a wide range of faults, such as sensor failures, broken valves, or clogged filters. By detecting and alerting the maintenance teams to these faults early on, the software ensures prompt repairs that can prevent energy waste and optimize equipment performance.

Optimized System Operation

The sensors and systems that determine building performance generate data that provide key insight into functionality. Fault detection software analyzes this information to identify inefficient energy usage patterns. It can detect issues such as simultaneous heating and cooling, improper setpoints, or excessive energy consumption during non-peak hours. By detecting and diagnosing these issues, the software helps optimize system operation, reducing energy waste and improving efficiency.

Energy Performance Benchmarking

Fault detection software often includes benchmarking functionality, allowing comparison of energy usage patterns and performance across similar buildings or systems. This benchmarking helps identify areas for improvement and sets goals for energy efficiency. With this information, operators can implement measures to reduce energy consumption and bring their systems in line with or surpass the best-performing systems in their peer group.

Predictive Maintenance

Machine learning algorithms allow a maintenance team to use historical data, trends, and environmental factors to predict when issues are most likely to occur. Fault detection software gathers and stores information, allowing maintenance teams to easily access information and make data-driven decisions.

Continuous Monitoring

Fault detection software provides real-time monitoring and analysis of energy usage patterns. It helps operators identify specific areas where energy consumption is excessive or inefficient. By continuously monitoring and fine-tuning the operation of equipment and systems, the software ensures optimal use of energy, maximizing efficiency, and minimizing waste.

Want to see examples of our fault detection software? Check out our case studies page and see how our clients have benefitted from a BuildingLogiX partnership.Button: Our Case Studies

Improve Your Building’s Energy Efficiency With Our Fault Detection and Diagnostics Software

Your commercial building features various systems that allow it to run efficiently and maintain occupant comfort. However, they can be challenging to manage if your maintenance team lacks the size and experience to perform regular upkeep. BuildingLogiX’s Connected Building Services includes Fault Detection and Diagnostic (FDD) software that allows your staff to take a proactive approach by continuously monitoring equipment and issuing an alert when it identifies inconsistencies. We developed our software using the latest ASHRAE standards, NIST rules, and industry experience and can seamlessly integrate our software as part of our BuildingLogiX Data eXchange platform.

What Are the Advantages of Our Fault Detection Software?

Implementing our fault detection software into your building operations provides the following optimization opportunities:

Reduced Maintenance and Repair Costs

By using FDD systems to proactively identify equipment faults and failures, facilities can avoid the high costs of emergency repairs and reactive maintenance. Software analytics give professionals visibility into issues as they emerge, allowing for more planned, cost-effective solutions. This preventative approach reduces overall maintenance expenditures.

Minimized Downtime

Unplanned outages can lead to major business disruptions and revenue losses, especially for industrial facilities and critical building operations. Intelligent FDD software mitigates this risk by sending real-time alerts when anomalies are detected before they escalate into system-wide failures. This enables issues to be addressed promptly, minimizing downtime.

Improved Equipment Performance

By leveraging FDD systems to optimize equipment sequences and identify degrading performance, organizations can improve efficiency and extend the useful life of capital investments. Adjusting operating parameters based on software insights helps assets perform as designed. This increased equipment effectiveness and longevity reduces overall lifecycle costs.